Spreading its wings

Since its establishment in 1979, Helitrades (with facilities in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta) has earned a reputation as a trusted source for helicopter dynamic/hydraulic component repair and overhaul.

Today, the company is a Bell Helicopter Textron-approved customer service facility for component overhauls on Bell models 205, 206, 206L, 212, 407 and 412, plus field maintenance on the Bell 412. Helitrades is also a North American-approved Woodward HRT licensed repair service facility for Woodward HRT hydraulic components installed in the Bell 204, 205, 206, 206L, 212, 407, 412 and 427. The company’s ongoing clients include the Canadian military, the Canadian Coast Guard, and various commercial/government operators worldwide.

As successful as Helitrades has been as a proven Bell component and repair facility–one increasingly popular with United States customers thanks to the low Canadian dollar–company president/owner Gerald Tom knew that it was time to do even more for customers. “This is why we recently purchased Uscan Aviation Sales in Alliston, Ontario, just northwest of Toronto,” he said. “Now being rebranded under the Helitrades name, this company has Bell Helicopter-approved airframe and tailboom fixtures. With the addition of Uscan’s facilities, Helitrades now performs Bell-approved structural repairs on main fuselage and tailbooms for models 205, 206 series, 212, 407 and 412 helicopters.”

Compared to other helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations, Helitrades is a relatively small owner-operated company. But don’t be fooled by its size: Helitrades’ commitment to quality, fair pricing, and on-time work helped it win the contract to repair and overhaul components on 85 Canadian Armed Forces Bell helicopters, under the Canadian Department of National Defence through Bell Helicopter Textron Canada.

“Our reputation is built on doing what we promise to do, on time and within budget,” said Tom. “The fact that Helitrades has grown and prospered speaks to our success in keeping our promises to customers, and having them return to us repeatedly over the years.”

With the Canadian dollar as low as it is against U.S. currency, now is an excellent time for American helicopter owner/operators to take a short trip north of the Canada/U.S. border and see for themselves what Helitrades can do for them and their aircraft.